Most Innovative Single Edge Razors in 2023

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The results are in, and they may just upend your shaving routine and change it for the better. Here are the best single edge razors in 2023.

What is a Single Edge Razor?

Let’s start with the obvious here: a single edge razor has just one cutting edge, rather than the double edge and multiple blade designs that have become more popular in recent years. This type of razor encompasses several subcategories and is a classic shaving implement that has been around for generations.

Kinds of Single Edge Razor

Single edge razors come in all shapes and sizes, not all of which will be a good fit for your shaving routine. Here are the kinds of razors out there:

• Safety Razor. A safety razor is a tool that contains some kind of guard between the blade and the skin, making cuts or serious injuries more difficult. This type of handheld razor has been around since the 18th century, allowing men to rely less on barbers because they could take care of their facial hair themselves.

• Box Cutter Blade. This kind of single edge razor works like a box cutter, although not exactly like one. That’s because it’s designed especially for shaving and fixed at a specific angle.

• Injector Blade. These blade types are similar to box cutters, except they provide slightly more reach in delicate areas, providing greater grooming versatility.

• Straight Razor. You might imagine a barber using a straight razor in an old-timey shop—a straight razor blade with a handle of sorts the blade folds into. While it’s technically in a category all its own, a straight razor still has a single edge and allows for a close, irritation-free shave. Straight razors are having a major comeback!

Single Edge vs Double Edge Razor

You’re probably most familiar with a double edge razor, which is by far the more common type of razor available these days. The most noticeable difference between these two razor types is their weight. Single edge razors are lighter and typically provide one fixed shaving angle, meaning you no longer have to search for a way to hold the razor that will get you the closest and most comfortable shave.

Single edge razors are far easier to use, making them ideal for those just learning to shave or anyone who doesn’t have their technique down pat. You can use a single edge razor to get into those hard-to-reach areas without worrying about cutting yourself, and you will end up with fewer razor bumps as a bonus.

Why Use a Single Edge Razor?

• Get a Closer Shave. When it comes to getting a close shave, it’s all about angles. If you use a single edge razor, there’s no guessing about the angle part of the equation—it’s already in place so you’re set up for success. Men with coarse hair are most likely to notice a huge difference after switching to a single edge razor, as its thicker and stiffer blade doesn’t give difficult hair a chance.

• Stick to a Simpler Shaving Experience. Innovation doesn’t always make things easier. While the double edge razors of today were invented for a reason, they involve a lot more strategy and skill to use than single edge razors do. Those who want a simpler shaving experience will be happy with a single edge razor.

• Enjoy Extra Precision. Single edge razors get into the tightest of corners or awkwardest of angles without so much as a scrape.

• Return to Your Roots. There’s something classic about single edge razors that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s a return to the good old days of grooming.

How to Use a Single Edge Razor

While the specific instructions on how to use a single edge razor may vary depending on its design, here are the basics:

Start by cleansing the skin you’re hoping to shave. Use a scrub if you can, which will clean out the pores and reduce the chances of razor bumps. This will also allow you to get off traces of old skin, which can get between the razor and your hair and block a close shave. Then, suds up with your favorite moisturizing shave cream.

Before you put razor to skin, it’s important to ensure that the blade is in properly. If you happened to damage the blade while placing it in the razor, you’re in for an uncomfortable shaving experience!

Next, ensure you’re pressing the razor to your skin at the right angle. You’ll want to press the razor against your skin, lift it up, and then bring it down in short strokes. If you’ve shaved before, you’ll feel when you get this just right!

The biggest key to single edge razor shaving (and perhaps one of the upsides to it) is that you don’t need to put any pressure on the blade. With most razors you’ll naturally feel the need to push against your skin for a close shave, but that’s not necessary with a single edge razor.

1. Supply The Single Edge SE

Get ready for the closest (and easiest) shave of your life. Supply’s The Single Edge SE is by far one of the best single edge razors in 2023, combining the classic single edge style with an innovative design to increase comfort and make shaving ridiculously easy. Everyone from first timers to seasoned pros loves this razor—it makes it difficult to cut yourself and eliminates razor burn!

It does so with something Supply calls Nickstop Technology, reducing cuts and nicks by 75% thanks to fins along the safety bar that guide the blade seamlessly over your skin. Unlike multi-blade razors, which pull out hair from underneath the skin to cut it, leading to razor burn and bumps, this razor gets a close shave without any tugging. You can use it all over your body! Plus, it comes with eight sharp blades that are easy to replace and should last about three months.

Price Range: $$

What’s Best About It: This razor is beginner-friendly because it’s easy to use and reduces the chance of cutting skin. The Nickstop Technology is a game changer. Plus, this razor is lighter than most.

Reviews: The Single Edge SE gets five-star reviews across the board, with some calling it “the best razor ever,” and others claim they’ve “never had a closer shave.” Users who have switched to this razor from a multi-blade razor are the most impressed!

2. Philips Norelco OneBlade 360

While this is technically a single-edge razor, it’s really a much more versatile tool. Philips Norelco’s OneBlade doesn’t stay in one place like most razors of its kind. Instead, it moves around in all directions, providing a much more flexible shaving experience that you can use on any part of the body. The magic of this razor is in its technology: a dual protection system with a smooth coating, rounded tips, and fast cutting to make it harder to cut skin instead of hair.

This razor comes with trimming tools, allowing you more control if you’re hoping to maintain your facial hair rather than get rid of it. As an added bonus, Philips Norelco is a carbon-neutral brand, making it an easy choice for climate-conscious people.

Price Range: $$

What’s Best About It: The tool’s versatility is its major selling point, plus its design that helps reduce cuts and nicks for a safer and easier shave. Or trim!

Reviews: Most of the reviews echo the sentiment that this razor is easy to use. One reviewer calls it “the best electric razor ever,” and another comments that it provides an “impressively close shave.” The only negative reviews seem to be of faulty products that stopped working after only a few uses.

3. OneBlade Hybrid Razor

OneBlade is all about the single edge razor, like this Hybrid product that’s one of the best single edge razors of the year. It all starts with the ergonomics of the razor shaft, progressing to the stainless steel razor head that gives you complete control over your shave. Since the razor head pivots as you shave, it allows for an optimized angle at every turn, making it easier to zone out as you take care of your facial hair. No need to focus on avoiding cutting yourself!

This works by using one stiff blade that is twice as thick as the blades on double edge razors and much sharper, getting a close shave with each stroke. Because there is no multiple blade nonsense, this razor also helps you avoid irritation when shaving.

Price Range: $$$

What’s Best About It: The combination of a comfortable handle and flexible head is a real upgrade. Plus, this razor is easier than many single blade tools in that you don’t need to maintain the same shaving angle the whole time.

Reviews: This razor's reviews are positive overall, exalting the item’s quality and weight. One review is titled “fantastic razor,” while others mention how this provides an irritation-free shave.

4. Marshall Wells Straight Razor

A straight razor is technically in a category all its own, but we’ve included this one on the list because it’s a favorite among collectors. There’s hardly anything more old school than a straight razor, and this one is a great vintage piece with real wood that will turn your bathroom into a barbershop in no time.

Straight razors have the same advantages as other single edge razors in that they provide a close shave without any of the tugging that comes with multi-blade tools. This also means they reduce irritation. Since straight razors don’t use disposable blades, they’re also environmentally friendly and will save you money on replacements.

Price Range: $$$

What’s Best About It: This iconic razor is easy to use and doubles as a collector’s item. Marshall Wells, a classic barbershop brand, makes it.

Reviews: Since this is a vintage piece, there aren’t any reviews, but Marshall Wells is a storied brand with a great reputation.

5. King Cobra Classic

If you were to only see the handle of this razor, you might think it’s a fountain pen or some kind of item worthy of an antique shop. Instead, it’s a razor—even better, a King Cobra Classic! This single edge razor is on the heavier and sturdier side, which might be ideal for those used to more substantial shaving tools.

The King Cobra Classic provides extra grip, making it easier to maneuver. It takes feather blades from Japan, which are easy to switch in and out. If you can afford to shell out a few hundred dollars for a luxurious tool like this one, there’s no way you’ll ever be able to go back to a disposable razor!

Price Range: $$$$

What’s Best About It: The design of the handle makes this easy to use, making you feel like you’re completely in control of your facial hair’s destiny. It looks luxurious and comes with all the benefits you can expect from a single edge razor.

Reviews: Users call this razor “solid,” and mention that it’s a wonderful addition to any shaving collection. One reviewer hits the nail on the head with this comment: “It gives you one of the smoothest and safest shaves possible.”

6. Leaf Single Edge Razor

Leaf’s Single Edge Razor comes in five different finishes, allowing you to choose the look that best fits your style. (Rose gold, anyone?) Since this razor is plastic-free, it’s gentler on the environment than most drugstore options, and it comes set up for an intuitive-feeling angle for added ease.

There are two different single edge options to choose from: twig and thorn. The twig is a lightweight and mild razor ideal for those with sensitive skin or finer hair, while the thorn takes a bolder approach. Use this on your facial hair, to get that chrome dome just right, or anywhere else on your body for a close and irritation-free shave.

Price Range: $$

What’s Best About It: This razor is fairly customizable, with different color options and levels of aggressiveness to choose from. It’s also an eco-friendly option.

Reviews: The review that best encapsulates what this razor does calls it “very forgiving.” Many label it as the ideal razor for newbies, as it cuts down on nicks and skin reactions.

7. Vector Single Edge Razor

Vector offers one of the best single edge razors in 2023 in the form of this three-piece safety razor built to fit a lot of shaving power into a small and easy-to-use tool. It’s designed to be easy to maneuver, giving you access to parts of your face (or anywhere else on your body) you never thought you could reach this easily.

This lightweight razor is made in the USA, and is so simple to use you’ll barely be able to tell you’re holding a razor at all. If you’re picky about the way your razor looks, know you can choose from two different finishes: machined finish (showing the marks left by the tools that crafted this razor) or polished finish for a more uniform look.

Price Range: $$$$

What’s Best About It: The intuitive design makes shaving easy, plus it’s featherlight.

Reviews: Many reviewers call this razor “outstanding,” and one justifies the hefty price tag, saying it’s “worth every cent.”

8. Hanni The Weighted Razor

Because single edge razors aren’t only for men, we’ve included this favorite designed for women: Hanni’s The Weighted Razor. It’s designed to glide over the skin rather than scrape at it, providing an ideal experience for those shaving all over their body’s contours.

This razor—like many on the list of best single edge razors—is made without plastic and won’t rust after getting wet. The handle is longer than many on this list, making it easier to hold and get to those faraway places. The head of this one is curved, making it ideal for reaching underarms. Plus, blade exchanges are easy with this razor’s design!

Price Range: $$

What’s Best About It: This is a great razor for anyone who focuses on shaving their body, not their face. Its design, handle, and the angle of the head are optimized for body shaving. It’s also weighted for an easier and more satisfying grip.

Reviews: One reviewer says this razor gave them “the best shave ever,” and many mention how much easier it makes avoiding cuts and nicks. Some do say that this razor takes getting used to.

9. Parker SRX Straight Edge Professional Barber Razor

We’ve included another straight edge razor on this list for those experiencing a pang of nostalgia. This professional barber razor is less of a relic than the other straight razor that made the list and more of a tool that barbers would continue to use. The blade is sharp and heavy, allowing for ultimate control and encouraging you to take your time and turn shaving into a ritual.

The rounded edge of the blade helps you not to cut yourself, and the holder makes it easy to switch the blade out without a hassle. Since this particular razor comes with five replacement blades, your first purchase will already get you far.

Price Range: $

What’s Best About It: This is a modern take on a classic, with a convenient clip and lock system that makes changing blades a breeze.

Reviews: Reviewers call this their favorite razor, and rave about how easy it is to use. One review is titled “great value,” and another recommends this razor for beginners.

10. Schick Shave Classic Single Edge Razor

You probably already know and trust Schick as a shaving brand, but have you tried its Classic Single Edge Razor? It provides a close and nick-free shave on a lightweight handle, and works well when you need a quick shave or are on the single edge train. Plus, this particular tool comes with injector replacement blades, meaning you never have to handle the actual blade yourself and risk disaster.

Price Range: $

What’s Best About It: The classic design, single edge experience, plus the injector replacement blades that make swapping blades a million times easier.

Reviews: One user sums it up best: “Old school meets new school shave.” Several others mention how this razor is a blast from the past that works well.